EP by Jillette Johnson

This is a really sharp five-song EP that moves in a lot of different directions without ever feeling scattered.

Each track leans into a slightly different sound — from something closer to alt-country or indie pop to more dreamy, ambient moments and even some heavier, droning textures. What ties it all together is the songwriting. There’s a clear focus on internal exploration here — identity, purpose, reflection, and how opening up to feel the bad stuff is a part of being alive.

“Good at Lying” is probably the most immediate track. It’s upbeat and catchy, but built around self-doubt, which gives it that contrast I always like — heavier ideas delivered in a lighter way. It even reminded me a bit of Lucinda Williams if she leaned more into a pop structure.

“Buried Alive” shifts into something more droning and textured, with a slightly psychedelic feel and a groove that gives it a different kind of weight. To me, this was as if Throwing Muses and The Roots worked together. A blend of an infectious beat and a 90s alt-rock song.

“Joy to Remember” pulls things back. It’s more subdued and atmospheric, with a vocal that feels almost weightless but still grounded. It drew me in more the longer it went. And the idea of suffering and joy being intertwined really landed with me.

“Love Island” leans into a smoother, more laid-back space. There’s a bit of a jazzy feel to it, with touches that almost sounds like a 70s influence sneaking in, giving it a warm, slightly psychedelic groove.

“Maxine” closes things out on a softer note. It’s subdued and gentle, with a dreamy, almost ambient feel that gets punctuated by piano, almost like a pulse. The vocals layer on top of each other in a way that reminded me a bit of the Cocteau Twins. It’s a really beautiful way to finish things off.

What really stood out to me is how the vocals adapt to each of these shifts. There’s no sense of forcing big moments or over-singing — everything feels connected to the tone of the song. That kind of restraint and awareness always pulls me in more than anything else.

It’s a short release, but it covers a lot of ground without losing its identity. It also does a great job showing how comfortably Johnson moves between different styles.

Verdict: Great

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